Impact of Client Suicide on Psychologists in Australia

Abstract

ObjectiveThis research aimed to assess the frequency and impact of client suicides on psychologists in Australia.MethodParticipants were 178 psychologists who completed an online self‐report questionnaire concerning the frequency of occurrence and impact of client suicide.ResultFifty six (31.5%) participants reported one or more client suicides. Psychologists with more years of experience reported more client suicides. Participants who had experienced a client suicide reported a range of emotional, cognitive and behavioural reactions as well as professional impacts. Ratings of responsibility, preventability and predictability of a client suicide were associated with emotional and/or professional impacts. Beneficial coping responses included talking to supervisors and colleagues, recognising the psychologist is not responsible and having increased acceptance of a client suicide.ConclusionsThe findings have important implications for training, workplace practices and research.